Small Business Loans for Women

A commitment to women-owned businesses

Access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers, and is too often the factor preventing the startup or growth of women-owned small businesses. Women-owned businesses comprise 45 percent of the small businesses we have financed in the last four years.

We are committed to providing loans to underserved small business owners, including women. As a network of non-profit lenders, we are willing to take the time to look at the story behind your business with an eye towards saying yes to your loan request.

Women-owned Small Business Facts

More than 9.1 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 7.9 million people, and generating $1.4 trillion in sales as of 2014.

Women-owned firms (50% or more) account for 30% of all privately held firms and contribute 14% of employment and 11% of revenues.

On average, men start their businesses with nearly twice as much capital as women.

Among the most successful firms, men started their businesses with six times as much capital as women.

When applying for financing, your business plan is your best friend. Though especially important for start-ups, businesses at every stage should have a road map indicating where they’re heading. It is your chance to prove, in writing, that you know your business inside and out.

As a successful female entrepreneur, you may have to fight harder than your male counterparts to start and grow your business. You know the playing field isn’t always level. In fact, while women are starting more businesses than the national average (74% vs. 51%), they are starting their businesses with half as much capital as men.

Connect2Capital® is powered by Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF).

CRF, a national non-profit community development financial institution, is a leader in bringing capital to underserved people and communities. Since 1988, CRF has injected more than $2.4 billion into communities in 48 states across the country to help stimulate job creation and economic development, provide affordable housing, and support community facilities.